In what ways can your church support traveling missionaries today? Love that Sends Well 3 John 1:6: “They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” Love that is truly Christ-centered never stops at warm feelings; it presses outward, equipping gospel travelers “in a manner worthy of God.” Concrete Ways to Bless Missionaries in Transit • Warm lodging and meals when they pass through your area (Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 10:40-42) • Thoughtful travel kits—gift cards, healthy snacks, first-aid items, power banks, and a handwritten note of encouragement • Airport runs, luggage storage, vehicle loans, or rideshares arranged ahead of time • Child-friendly spaces and local outings for families on layover so kids feel seen and rested Generous Financial Partnership • Monthly support commitments, even if modest—Paul praises such ongoing help (Philippians 4:16-19) • One-time “travel boosts” to cover visas, immunizations, excess baggage, or emergency airfare (Titus 3:13) • Special offerings when missionaries report back to the congregation (3 John 1:8) • Designating a line item in the church budget so giving remains steady during lean seasons Prayer Covering that Travels Further than Planes • Schedule specific missionary names in corporate prayer times (Acts 13:3) • Form small “rope-holding” groups that commit to daily intercession—spiritual warfare intensifies on the road (Ephesians 6:18-20) • Text or email short prayers while they travel; real-time encouragement reminds them they’re not alone Practical Tools and Resources • Up-to-date tech—unlocked phones, reliable laptops, noise-canceling headphones for study on long flights • Quality literature in the target language for distribution—“The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good news are a great host” (Psalm 68:11) • Medical or insurance assistance; unexpected illness abroad can cripple a ministry budget • Skill sharing: mechanics, accountants, web designers, language tutors offering pro-bono help Ongoing Communication and Soul Care • Regular video calls so they can testify “before the church” as in 3 John 1:6 • Safe-place debriefs when they return—space to rejoice and to weep (Romans 12:15) • Sabbatical housing for extended furloughs, allowing rest without financial strain • Counseling or pastoral check-ins to guard marriages and mental health from burnout Commissioning and Accountability • Public laying on of hands before departure (Acts 13:3), affirming the whole body’s ownership of the mission • Clear, mutual expectations for reporting, finances, and doctrine—“in a manner worthy of God” guards the purity of both giver and goer (3 John 1:6) • Celebrations when goals are met—Romans 10:15 reminds us that beautiful feet deserve joyful recognition Becoming Fellow Workers for the Truth “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 1:8). Each ride to the airport, each dollar sent, each whispered prayer braids your local fellowship into the worldwide advance of the gospel. In God’s economy, senders share the harvest right alongside those beautiful, dusty feet that carry the good news. |
    |